NCAA 2015

March Madness

Severity of Gorgui Dieng's wrist injury still unknown

By Jeff Goodman | College Basketball Insider

November 25, 2012 10:10 AM ET

Louisville could be without Gorgui Dieng for the next month.

The Cardinals, just hours prior to Saturday night's game against Duke, announced that their 6-foot-11 junior shot-blocker wouldn't play due to a sprained left wrist suffered early in the victory over Missouri.

However, it's still unknown whether Dieng suffered a sprained wrist or whether it's more serious.

"I'd say if he broke it, it'll be four to six weeks," Louisville coach Rick Pitino said after the loss to Duke. "If it's a sprain, it could be two or three weeks. He'll probably miss Saturday's game."

Pitino said that medical tests will be conducted on Dieng, who sat in street clothes and had his wrist bandaged, once the team returns to Louisville. The Cards will travel back home on Sunday afternoon.

Dieng is one of the top interior defenders and shot-blockers in the country. He's averaging 8.2 points, eight rebounds and two blocks per game this season. He injured his wrist early in the game against Missouri, but returned to play 24 minutes.

Zach Price and Stephen Van Treese took his place against the Blue Devils and did a solid job. Price started the game and Van Treese, who nearly transferred this past offseason, was effective against Duke star Mason Plumlee.

"We suffered a very big injury to our basketball team," Pitino said. "And it didn't affect us at all."